Production Engineering Design Manager

The Production Engineering Design Manager will lead our manufacturing design engineering team to optimize the designs and build methodology for our high‑performance aluminium vessels. This role bridges the gap between systems design and the manufacturing departments. You will ensure low‑volume, highly engineered builds are designed and planned so they can be delivered safely, on time, and taking account of maritime survey standards by optimizing build sequences and fabrication methodologies.

Objectives

• Team Leadership: Lead, mentor, and develop a team of production and manufacturing engineers supporting our aluminium fabricators, welders, and marine outfitters.
• Fabrication Sequencing: Establish and optimize build sequences for marine‑grade aluminium hulls and superstructures, focusing on minimizing structural distortion during welding.
• Build Method Optimization: Define and improve manufacturing sequences for complex marine structures, including composite moulding, metal fabrication, and marine systems installation.
• New Product Introduction (NPI): Help transition new designs from the drawing board to full‑scale shipyard assembly.
• Continuous Improvement in Low Volume: Apply Lean principles adapted for low‑volume environments, focusing on reducing setup times, improving material handling, and optimizing build sequencing.
• Design for Manufacture (DFM): Collaborate with naval architects and design teams early in the development cycle to ensure structures are optimized for efficient, cost‑effective assembly.
• Quality & Class Compliance: Ensure all production processes meet strict maritime standards (e.g., Lloyd’s Register, DNV, MCA, or ISO standards).

Qualifications / Experience

• Experience: Minimum 5+ years in a production engineering leadership role, with a proven track record in aluminium fabrication, shipbuilding, or complex structural metalwork.
• Education: Degree or HND/HNC in Marine Engineering, Naval Architecture, Mechanical Engineering, or Metallurgy/Welding Engineering.
• Technical Knowledge: Deep understanding of marine‑grade aluminium welding processes (MIG/TIG), plate nesting, distortion control, and the integration of complex marine propulsion, electrical, and hydraulic systems.
• Methodologies: Practical experience applying Lean principles to low‑volume or project‑based manufacturing (e.g., cell manufacturing, 5S, standard operating procedures for trades).
• Software: Proficiency with 2D/3D CAD packages (such as ShipConstructor, Rhino, SolidWorks, or AutoCAD) and ERP/MRP systems for material and build tracking.

Hazel Road, Woolston, Trafalgar Wharf, Portchester. Hybrid

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